Basic First Aid

The following information is intended for use as initial first aid only. Veterinary help must be sought in all cases of sickness or injury.

Out in the day Hedgehogs are nocturnal - out in the day is a sure sign that something is wrong. He could be orphaned, injured, poisoned, ill, cold or hungry. In the winter he must weigh at least 600grms to be able to survive hibernation. Check for wounds Flies eggs and maggots must be removed immediately. Check carefully around wounds, moist areas of body and under armpits. Fly Eggs These are best removed dry, using fine tweezers if among spines (an old toothbrush can also used to brush them out). Maggots Best picked out with long tweezers. Warm air from a gentle hairdryer will bring live wound maggots to the surface. (Be very careful not to burn the hog) Wounds Best left to the experts.

Shock and dehydration Shock will kill, wrap the casualty in a warm blanket and place on a warm hot water bottle or low watt heat pad, allowing space to move away if necessary. Hedgehogs should always feel warm to the touch. Dehydration, offer Lectade mineral replacement drink (available from vets) or International rehydration fluid using one tablespoon sugar and one teaspoon salt mixed in two pints warm water. This may need to be syringe fed. Food Offer good quality cat or dog food and water to drink. Never give cows milk. Fleas Don't worry about fleas, they are host specific and will not live on your pets or carpets. Never use dog or cat flea spray as these are too strong for hogs and the toxins are more likely to kill the patient. Hibernation Some hogs "go down" as early as October, some do not hibernate at all. Disturbing a hibernating hog could kill it.